Provided they maintain an interest in the Europa League and FA Cup - they meet Notts County in a fourth-round replay at Eastlands on Sunday - City are now condemned to playing twice a week until the middle of April.

Indeed, should the Blues advance to a fifth-round meeting with Aston Villa and draw that, the FA would have difficulty attempting to squeeze in a quarter-final prior to the semis taking place on April 16.

It just piles the pressure on players Kidd revealed are now being "maintained" rather than actually trained.

And, as the debate rages over the FA Cup's value, Kidd wonders what positives the latest round of internationals have brought.

"If there was a free week for the top clubs in February, it would be great," he said,

"That would have been a good chance to work with the squad and do a weekly, player-specific programme depending upon whether they needed rest or extra work.

"Instead there was a friendly - in the middle of February."

Kidd is certain changes to the calendar could be made; allowing European teams to play league matches on Friday evenings perhaps in order to ease the strain.

Whether any of these alterations could bring some added shine to the FA Cup is debatable though.

"The FA Cup was a fantastic occasion. People say you are old fashioned and times have changed but it was a memorable day.

"Every supporter in the land watched the FA Cup final. It wasn't just if your team was there. You had the brass band, the singing, the white suits. It was fantastic. I suppose the modern ones don't want that now do they?

"If I am honest, it has a bit to do because football has changed dramatically and the FA Cup has been diluted a little bit."

Not for Kidd though.

As Sir Alex Ferguson's assistant at Manchester United, he presided over two triumphs in the competition and at 61, he was part of an era for whom cup final day was the football occasion of the year.

And as the possibility of scrapping replays and turning the FA Cup into a midweek competition is discussed, Kidd feels this weekend's showdown at Old Trafford is a reminder of what the competition can be.

"I don't know what the powers-that-be are going to propose but replays mean the smaller clubs get a second game," he said.

"Look at Crawley this week. The money they will get out of playing Manchester United is fantastic. It is a lifeline for these clubs.

"It is a dream and typical of what the FA Cup is all about."

It is also one of two realistic chances City retain of winning a trophy this term and ending that 35-year wait for a trophy.

"I had a saying that once you get to the semi-finals, you can smell the hot dogs," he said. "The importance of this tournament cannot be underestimated.

"Once you win a trophy it is intoxicating. It is a great feeling.

"The length of time is there as well. You can't get away from the fact it has been so many years since we won a trophy.

"But it is like getting an injection. You want more of it."